As a big basketball fan, the first thing that comes to mind when I think of Slovenia is none other than Luka Doncic. So when I included the country for another trip around Europe, I made sure to include the NBA star's hometown which is Ljubljana.
Ljubljana is Slovenia's capital but it has a laid-back vibe which I loved.
Travel Guide Budget and Itinerary for Ljubljana
Before Ljubljana became the capital of Slovenia, the country was under the Austrian, French, and Italians. It was also one of the countries that used to be part of Yugoslavia. Slovenia gained its independence in 1991 and Ljubljana was named its capital. It is the cultural, political, and economic hub of the country.
Get a Visa
Slovenia is in the Schengen zone, which means that if you get a visa from one of the members countries, you can enter. Since I'm a Filipino passport holder, I need to have a valid Schengen visa to enter Slovenia.
These are the basic requirements:
How to Get to Ljubljana
You can book a flight to Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport from different cities in Europe through some airlines. However, this option can be expensive. The affordable option is to take the bus from Vienna (Austria), Zagreb (Croatia), Budapest (Hungary), and other cities. You can also take the train. I frequently use www.flixbus.com for booking bus tickets whenever I'm in Europe. Many visitors plan their budget and itinerary for Ljubljana and include it as a bigger trip around the region.
Things to Do in Ljubljana
These are some of the things you can do and visit during your trip to Ljubljana.
If you look up from the city center, you'll immediately see the centuries old castle. You can walk up (like what my friend and I did) or take the funicular for a fee. The castle grounds are free, but you have to pay extra to see the exhibits in the castle. The castle provides beautiful bird's eye views of the city below.
Like other cities in Europe, Ljubljana's old town oozes with charm. The area is home to restaurants, cafes, shops, centuries old buildings, and churches. It's easy to walk around and go sightseeing.
Preseren Square is a popular meeting place for locals and visitors alike. The area is often bustling with people. It is dedicated to France Prešeren, the country's national poet.
This bridge is one of the most famous and recognizable in the city. The Triple Bridge links Prešeren Plaza with the historic center.
The Dragon bridge is a popular landmark you can easily see while exploring the city. It has four dragons in total with two each at either end.
You might already have seen pictures of Lake Bled online. These might've piqued your interest and decided to include it in your itinerary. It's a popular day trip destination from Ljubljana. This is no surprise because of how scenic its views are. You can go up to the castle to get a glimpse of Bled's history and culture. You can also go boating, hiking, and other activities during your visit. Walking around the lake is also a relaxing activity that isn't strenuous.
How to get to Lake Bled: It's easy and convenient to reach Lake Bled from Ljubljana. I took the bus because it was closer to the center than taking the train. It was also an affordable option for those on a budget. Alternatively, you can take the train but it's further out. You'll have to take a bus to get to the center from the train station.
There are other things to do that you can include in your budget and itinerary for Ljubljana, some of which are:
- Tivoli Park
- Cathedral of St. Nicholas
- Museum of Illusions
- Congress Square
- Town Hall
Getting around Ljubljana
You won't need to take public transportation if you plan to just see the highlights of Ljubljana. Most attractions are within walking distance from each other, if you don't mind spending time walking most of the day. However, you can still rent a bike or take a taxi if you want to get anywhere faster. You can also take the public buses to different parts of the city. You can buy an Urbana card for €2.00 from LPP ticket offices, tourist centers, machines near bus stops, and some kiosks. You can top it up with cash whenever it runs out of credit. A single ride costs around €1.30 and covers a 90-minute journey. The fare goes up to €1.75 and €2.70 respectively depending on the zone you want to go to.
Where to Stay in Ljubljana
You have plenty of options when it comes to accommodation in Ljubljana. There are budget, mid-priced, and luxury options. The city's attractions are not far from each other so it's convenient to stay anywhere in the center or just outside of it. I frequently stay in hostels because of their affordability. Since I'm out most of the day, hostel dorm rooms are a budget-friendly choice. I often book through www.booking.com. You can find several options through their website. You can also book directly with the accommodation of your choice.
Budget for Ljubljana
Ljubljana is an affordable city by European standards. A budget of €50-€55 covers a bed in a hostel dorm, budget meals (with the occasional splurge on a nice meal), use of public transportation, a day trip to Lake Bled, and a few paid attractions. It's possible to cut your expenses, but you'll be settling for the cheapest option all the time. Sky's the limit for those who want to splurge during their trip. There are other noteworthy attractions in Slovenia for those who have more time to see the rest of the country.
You might want to check out my other posts about Europe:
Itinerary for Ljubljana
Ljubljana is small enough to enjoy in one whole day, you can add one extra day to visit Lake Bled. If you have the time, you can spend longer in the city.